The Development of Modern Birthstone Jewelry
Since the 1st century specific gems have been associated with the zodiac signs and have been used in birthstone jewelry. Originally birthstone systems were based on the individual color of the gemstones. The beginnings of the custom are thought to be associated with the Breastplate of Aaron which incorporated gemstones associated with the twelve tribes of Israel. Each stone was engraved with the names of the tribes and they were attached to the breastplate in four rows of three. While the names of the gems on the breastplate are established, the exact translation is unsettled so the particular gems used are not known. This has resulted in different gemstones being linked to the different zodiac signs.
Later birthstones have become linked to the months of the year instead of the signs of the zodiac and there’s been some disparity in the month to which a gemstone is allocated. The most extensively used listing today is one which was proposed in 1902 by the American Association of Jewelers, and incorporates some substitutes for the costlier gemstones. There has been one addition since then. Tanzanite was added as a birthstone for December in 2002 by the American Gem Association but it is not recognized by everybody.
Some other lists which connect individual stones with the month of birth include mystical birthstones and Ayurvedic birthstones. The mystical birthstones list dates back to over ten centuries in the past and originated Tibet, the Ayurvedic listing originated in ancient Indian philosophy and originated around 1500 BC. However most people use the modern schemes proposed by the Association of Jewelers.
Modern Listing
- January - garnet, emerald
- February - amethyst
- March - aquamarine
- April - diamond
- May - emerald
- June - pearl, moonstone
- July - ruby
- August - peridot
- September - sapphire
- October - tourmaline, opal
- November - topaz, citrine
- December - turquoise, tanzanite, blue topaz
Therefore there are a number of options to select from. If you don’t like your birthstone from the modern listing, pick one from the traditional scheme.There are lovely examples of gold birthstone jewelry in the shops and they make wonderful birthday gifts for loved ones, that show we put thought into picking a gift that is special to them. Read more at Birthstone Jewelry.
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Tags: birthstone history, birthstone jewelry, birthstone origins, birthstones, gold birthstone jewelry, silver birthstone jewelry